The Pinal Co. Public Health Services District is issuing an advisory for animal rabies to all county residents after a fox from the Dudleyville area tested positive for rabies on Oct. 2nd, at the Az. State Public Health Laboratory. This is the 5th animal to test positive for rabies in Pinal Co. in 2007. Following an investigation by public health staff no human or pet exposures were identified. Two bats & two skunks collected in the southeastern area of the county have tested positive previously this year.
Rabies is a deadly disease that's caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system. All mammals including humans are susceptible. Rabies is transmitted by contact with saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite wound. If you think you’ve been exposed to rabies make sure that you call your doctor or local health department immediately. There hasn't been a documented case of human rabies in Pinal Co. for decades.
While rabies can occur in animals anywhere in the county, in the last few years the southern & eastern portions of the county have had the most activity. Rabies is found mainly in wild animals such as bats, skunks, foxes, raccoons, bobcats, & coyotes. Cats, dogs, & livestock can also become infected with rabies if they are bitten by rabid wild animals, & they haven't been vaccinated. Rodents such as rats, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs & squirrels are not likely to be infected with rabies. Wild animals exhibiting unusual behavior should be reported to local animal control officials. The best way to protect yourself & your family is to avoid touching, handling, or adopting wild or stray animals.
The 1st sign of rabies is usually a change in the animal’s behavior. Animals may act more aggressive or more tame than usual. Animals usually active at night such as skunks, foxes, & bats may be out during the day. Rabid animals may appear agitated & excited or paralyzed & frightened. Sometimes, rabid animals don’t show any signs of illness before death from rabies. That’s why contact with wild animals should always be avoided.
The Pinal Co. Public Health Services District recommends the following precautions:
* Keep people and pets away from wild animals.
* Don't pick up, touch, or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, especially sick or wounded ones. If someone has been bitten or scratched, or has had contact with the animal, report it immediately to animal control or health officials.
* Do not “rescue” seemingly abandoned young wild animals. Usually, the mother will return. If the mother’s dead or hasn’t returned in many hours, call the Az. Game & Fish Dept.
* Vaccinate all dogs and cats against rabies. Pets should be kept in a fenced yard.
Take precautions when camping, hunting or fishing. Avoid sleeping on the open ground without the protection of a closed tent or camper. Keep pets on a leash & do not allow them to wander. Don't disturb roosting bats. If you find a bat on the ground, don’t touch it. Report the bat & its location to your local animal control officer or health department. Place a box over the bat to contain it. Be careful not to damage the bat in any way since it must be intact for rabies testing.
For more info about rabies, call the Pinal Co. Public Health Services District at (520) 866-7355, or the Az. Dept. of Health Services at (602) 364-4562.